Moller M200 Skycar

Quick Summary

The Moller M200 Skycar is the smaller version of the M400 Skycar currently under development by Moller International. The M200 uses two ducted fans for propulsion that lift the craft vertically for takeoff and landing and propel it forward for accelerated horizontal flight.

Moller International, based in Dixon, CA

Dr. Paul Moller

M200 Skycar

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

Technical Details

From the Moller Website:

Originally conceived with military applications in mind, the Skycar® 200 is a lightweight, 2-passenger VTOL aircraft now targeted for local commuter markets. Capable of speeds up to 240 mph, the Skycar® 200 design incorporates multiple redundant systems, multiple safety features, and its Flight Control System (FCS) virtually eliminates the complexities of flying. Even a novice operator can master the skills needed to maintain precise control over the aircraft.

In the future, passengers will not be required to fly the aircraft, as the Skycar® will be an autonomous aircraft utilizing advanced onboard environment scanning and precise positioning systems, the highway-in-the-sky (HITS) and automated air traffic control in order to fly between destinations and avoid other air-traffic.

Skycar® 200 Targeted Performance

VTOL Configuration

Two fixed thrust nacelles with one Rotapower engine and one electric motor per nacelle and two lift ducts with two electric motors each

Seating

Tandem

Emergency Airframe Parachutes

Yes

Fuel Type

Ethanol

Dimensions (L x W x H) – Stowed footprint

14' x 8.5' x 6' - 1192

Gross Weight

1,320 lbs

Net Payload

400 lbs

Continuous Engine Power (Total)

170 hp

Electrical Motor Power (90 seconds)

85 hp per motor

Emergency Electrical Motor Power (30 seconds)

145 hp per motor

Component Articulation Required

Folding Wings

Maximum Speed (Sea Level)

242 mph

Cruise Speed (Sea Level @ 65% power)

205 mph

Time – Parachute Safe (50 mph @ 200 ft)

11.3 seconds

Time to Transition (0-131 mph)

16.2 seconds

Maximum Endurance (Sea Level @ 131 mph)

3.7 hours

Rate of climb (sea level)

1,816 fpm

Time to climb (10,000 ft)

3.8 minutes

Roadability (On improved roads)

~ 30 mph

Range with 2 passengers @ 122 mph (42 mpg)

434 miles

Fuel Consumption (Sea Level @ Cruise)

7.37 gallons per hour

Our Take on Moller

The Moller M200 Skycar has already been flight tested, giving it a huge advantage over a number of other VTOLs. However, it uses ethanol fuel in lieu of electrical power to rotate the ducted fans, so it is not a true eVTOL. The M200 is currently being flight tested and navigating the certification process with the FAA - which will most likely be one of the largest challenges for Moller International to overcome to bring their VTOL to market.